Acer C720P Chromebook Review: Worth It Today?

Acer C720P Chromebook review exploring its performance, touchscreen, battery life, and if it’s still worth buying in 2025.

Introduction

Let’s be real—most of us don’t think of 2013 laptops as relevant in 2025. But the Acer C720P Chromebook has stubbornly stuck around in online communities, tech resale groups, and minimalist desk setups. So the question begs: Is it still worth picking up today?

If you’re considering snagging this budget-friendly touchscreen Chromebook, keep reading. We’ll break down whether this old-school gadget still has the juice to keep up with today’s light computing needs.

First Impressions

Design and Build Quality

Simple. Functional. Lightweight.

The Acer C720P doesn’t scream luxury, but it definitely delivers a minimalistic charm. Its matte plastic finish keeps fingerprints at bay, and it feels surprisingly sturdy for something under 3 pounds. It’s small enough to toss in your backpack, and rugged enough to survive a few accidental bumps.

Display Features

Let’s talk visuals. The 11.6-inch screen isn’t Retina-level sharp, but it’s respectable. The 1366×768 resolution feels a bit dated, but the touchscreen is a pleasant bonus. Brightness is good enough for indoor use, though outdoor visibility? Not its strongest suit.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Typing feels comfortable despite the compact size. The keyboard layout is clean, responsive, and perfect for hammering out emails or notes. The trackpad works fine—nothing fancy—but supports gestures well. Bonus: the touchscreen saves you from too much trackpad scrolling.

Acer C720P Chromebook Review: Worth It Today?

Performance Overview

Under the Hood Specs

Don’t expect fireworks here—it’s running an Intel Celeron 2955U, paired with either 2GB or 4GB of RAM. Storage is limited to a 16GB SSD. On paper, this sounds weak. But Chrome OS is lightweight, and this little guy can still handle web browsing, Google Docs, YouTube, and even some light multitasking.

Real-World Usage

For students or casual users, it’s surprisingly snappy with basic tasks. If you try to open 20 tabs, you’ll hit a wall. But for writing, Googling, and watching videos? Totally doable.

Boot-Up and Speed

Here’s a surprise: the boot time is just around 7 seconds. That SSD and Chrome OS pairing still deliver a fast and smooth startup experience.

Touchscreen Experience

Is Touch Still Relevant?

It felt revolutionary back in the day—and even now, a touchscreen on a Chromebook feels handy. Tap to scroll, pinch to zoom, or draw diagrams in notes. It’s especially great for kids or those who prefer a more tablet-like interaction.

Still, this isn’t a high-precision screen. Don’t expect buttery-smooth responsiveness like an iPad.

Battery Life

Longevity of Power

Acer claimed around 7.5 hours of battery, and even today, it still manages 5–6 hours depending on use. That’s honestly impressive for a device over a decade old.

Charging Speed

Not the fastest charger, but a full recharge takes around 2 hours—standard fare for a small device.

Chrome OS and Updates

Still Getting Updates?

Unfortunately, Chrome OS updates have officially ended for the C720P. Google’s Auto Update Expiration (AUE) policy means no more official patches. This is a red flag for security-conscious users.

Apps and Extensions

Most web-based Chrome apps still run fine. However, Android app support is limited, and newer extensions may not work as intended. You’ll need to keep expectations low in this area.

Port and Connectivity Options

What You Get

The Acer C720P offers:

2 USB ports (3.0 + 2.0)
Full HDMI port
SD card reader
Headphone jack

It has Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0. Nothing groundbreaking, but solid essentials.

Storage and Cloud Reliance

16GB SSD – Enough Today?

That tiny 16GB SSD won’t hold much, but that’s okay—Chrome OS lives in the cloud. Google Drive, Docs, and Photos are your go-tos. If you really need local storage, an external USB drive or SD card can save the day.

Audio and Webcam Quality

Built for Online Classes?

The webcam is… okay. 720p at best, grainy in low light. It works fine for Google Meet or Zoom, but don’t expect cinematic quality.

Speakers? Adequate. Not loud, not bassy, but clear enough for video calls and YouTube.

Gaming and Media Consumption

Can It Handle Light Gaming?

Don’t get your hopes up for Fortnite. But web-based games like Google’s Dinosaur Game or casual stuff like Sudoku run smoothly.

Streaming? It handles Netflix and YouTube in 720p effortlessly. Just don’t expect buttery-smooth HD playback on newer platforms.

Durability and Portability

Perfect for Travel?

Absolutely. It’s lightweight, compact, and gets the job done on the go. Throw it in a bag, head to a coffee shop or the library—it’s easy to carry and reliable enough for basic work.

Target Audience

Who’s It Best For in 2025?

Students (especially younger ones)
Writers or bloggers using Google Docs
Digital minimalists
Budget-conscious buyers
Second-laptop seekers

Price Point and Value for Money

Still Worth Buying in 2025?

You can find used Acer C720Ps for under $70. At that price, it’s a steal if you know its limits. For everyday web tasks and light writing, it still holds up surprisingly well.

However, newer budget Chromebooks offer more RAM, better screens, and longer support—so weigh your options.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Affordable even in 2025
Lightweight and portable
Decent performance for basic use
Touchscreen!
Fast boot-up

Cons:

No OS updates anymore
Low RAM and storage
Outdated screen resolution
Webcam and audio are mediocre

Conclusion

So, is the Acer C720P Chromebook still worth it today?

If you’re after a budget-friendly device for light tasks and don’t mind the lack of updates, the C720P is a pleasant surprise. It won’t win any performance awards, but for $50–$70, it could be your trusty backup device, kids’ school laptop, or minimalist writing machine.

Just keep your expectations grounded. Think of it like a reliable old bicycle—it won’t win races, but it’ll get you where you need to go.